Philadelphia

Restaurants in Philadelphia

Philadelphia restaurants combine both the buzziest names in the food world alongside some of its greasiest traditions. Many celebrity chef-fronted Philadelphia restaurants, like Stephen Starr's Buddakan, Morimoto and El Vez have opened up second locations in New York City. The Philadelphia-based La Colombe Torrefaction coffee chain now runs a shop in South Korea.

For spicy Mexican dishes in a colorful setting, visit Jose Garces' Distrito. It has earned its reputation as one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia with upscale takes on south-of-the-border street food, such as Kobe beef tacos, and a bar boasting more than 100 tequilas.

Some of the most iconic restaurants in Philadelphia are its cheesesteak purveyors. Visit the home of the beloved fried onion and Cheese Wiz-topped sandwich at the Pat's King of Steaks takeout window, or visit Geno's Steaks at East Passyunk Crossing, whose bright neon lights attract crowds of late-night fans and a worldwide reputation.

Although he worked in several acclaimed local kitchens, it wasn’t until Israeli-born chef Michael Solomonov did it his way at Zahav that he achieved national regard, winning the 2011 James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic.

It wouldn’t be Philly without a cheese steak, so lay on the Cheese Wiz at this iconic restaurant. “Pat” is Pat Olivieri—the South Philly hot dog vendor who’s credited with inventing the Philly cheesesteak (with his brother Harry) back in 1920.

Located in Old City, this New American restaurant specializes in fresh seasonal cuisine, much of it sourced from local farms near Philadelphia. Hand-painted chandelier coverings and patterned, floor-to-ceiling velvet curtains are offset by an open kitchen and cast-concrete bar.

The Fountain at the Four Seasons faces the single-burst Love Park fountain and Robert Indiana's famous Love sculpture. The restaurant serves French-influenced American cuisine in a lavish 107-seat dining room featuring dark woods and crystal chandeliers.

It would be hard to miss this Old City restaurant, with its colorful name-bearing banners running down the building. The relaxed 122-seater, which is co-owned by the Metropolitan Bakery team, is well loved for its contemporary American fare.